Wednesday, January 23, 2008

It was another good day and a busy one. Mark had his cast replaced by the occupational therapists and they were able to extend it another five degrees, which was wonderful according to them. He did not have to be sedated and remained calm throughout the procedure. He did have medication prior to the recast, but it was just his regular dose of anti-agitation medication. He didn't mind the sound of the saw.

He then proceeded to eat lunch and fed himself. He struggled a little with the plate, and they are going to provide one that will be easier for him to use, since it won't slide around. He relaxed a bit after lunch, but then went on to physical therapy. They took him to the physical therapy floor to work out. He told them he didn't like the special Barton chair they had him in and wanted a wheelchair instead. Tomorrow that's on the agenda. He was tired, but he got through the therapy without much of a fuss. He did take a nap after his "workout".

Another bright spot was that his nurse, Grisel, who is just the most wonderful caretaker in the world, asked him to put a goal for her on his info board (a board with the date, nurse, doctor, etc.). By her name he wrote, "bee nice". The spelling wasn't correct, but it is the first time he has written anything. We were delighted. Later in the day she asked him to write something else and give her a "present". Of course, Mark drew a square with a bow on top!! We just looked at each other and laughed. The writing and drawing are a real step, because they haven't even started that therapy with him yet. It was also interesting to note that his printing was better than it was before the accident. Go figure!